SCRAP HAPPY

I've been thinking about rectangular blocks lately.  This is what I have come up with for this quilt --  two different blocks in two color-ways that uses numerous small scraps.

THE STATS:  Scrap Happy, 2025, 30" x 30", Paper pieced, Machine pieced, Machine quilted.  434 pieces all from the scrap bins.

PRAIRIE PATH CLASS SAMPLE #4

 Finally, this project is finished and it can be relegated to my quilt archives.  This is the final Prairie Path Class Sample from 1994 to be quilted, bound, and labeled.  This was the smallest of the bunch at 9 blocks, suitable for a wall hanging or table topper.  Because of the color way, I'll probably use it at Christmas this year.

THE STATS:  Prairie Path Class Sample #4, 1994-2025, 27"x27", Machine pieced, Machine quilted.

Are you tired of seeing photos of Prairie Path's journey into the  different fabrics and sizes of the same design? 

 I am; so I'm off to start a new and different project.

Comparison Photos

THE ORIGINAL -- 1987

PRAIRIE PATH CLASS SAMPLE #1, 1994-2025

PRAIRIE PATH CLASS SAMPLE #2, 1994-2025

PRAIRIE PATH CLASS SAMPLE #3, 1994-2025

PRAIRIE PATH CLASS SAMPLE #4, 1994-2025

PRAIRIE PATH CLASS SAMPLE #3

Here is the largest (at 50" square) of the Prairie Path class sample tops I found recently.  It has been a challenge to quilt on my domestic machine, because of its size and my physical limitations.  It has also been the most fun to work on as I examined each different fabric.  There are some great fabrics in it from the early 1990s.  Once again, this one contains a great stripe and border print.  I wish I still had some scraps left to include in future quilts.

Sample #3 has the same alternate block, the Pinwheel, as Sample #1, but contains 49 total blocks.  Samples #1 and #2 each had 25 total blocks.

THE STATS:  Prairie Path Class Sample #3, 1994-2025, 50"x50", Machine pieced, Machine quilted.

Comparison photos

Original 1987

Class Sample #1, 1994-2025

Class Sample #2, 1994-2025

PRAIRIE PATH CLASS SAMPLE #2

Prairie Path Class Sample #2 is now finished.  It is basically the same design and size as Class Sample #1, except it has a different alternate block, a sawtooth star.  Alternate block in #1 was a pinwheel.  My point was to offer options to the workshop students.

My favorite part of this sample is the placement of the lights and darks.  Also, I love the border fabric!

THE STATS:  Prairie Path Class Sample #2, 1994-2025, 39" x 39", Machine Pieced, Machine Quilted.

Comparison Photos

ORIGINAL - 1987

CLASS SAMPLE #1 -- 1994-2025

PRAIRIE PATH CLASS SAMPLE #1

In my ongoing efforts to clean, organize, and label the items in my sewing (quilt) room; I recently discovered a tub of four quilt tops that I had used as samples in a 1994 Prairie Path workshop that I taught.  

I have decided that they deserve to be quilted and finished because of the fabrics they contain.  For me, the explosion of wonderful new fabrics of the 1980s and early 1990s were some of the best ever.  

This is the first of the group to be finished.

THE STATS:  Prairie Path Class Sample #1, 1994 - 2025, 39" x 39", Machine pieced, Machine quilted.

Prior to 1980, in rural areas we had to resort to J. C. Penny's mezzanine floor for maybe 10 bolts of 100% cotton fabrics suitable for quilting.  Then, in the early 1980s, quilt stores began popping up in the metro areas.  I remember one trip to Denver early on, when my husband and kids dropped me off at "Quilts and Other Comforts" while they went to Elitch Gardens amusement park. I had 2 full hours alone with pure joy looking at fabric.  The employees were so friendly, understanding, helpful while I walked around fondling their fabric!!

This is the original 'Prairie Path' quilt that I made in 1987.